Fans of natural coffee know that instant varieties cannot match the flavor of a freshly brewed drink. Yet traditional preparation usually requires a coffee maker or at least a cezve, so many people avoid it because they assume the process is complicated. In reality, there is an easy way to brew ground coffee directly in a cup and enjoy its rich aroma without unnecessary effort.

Can You Simply Pour Hot Water Over Ground Coffee?

Ground coffee is usually prepared in a cezve or coffee machine, but neither is essential. You can make a flavorful drink in an ordinary cup. This technique is known as “cupping” and is commonly used during coffee tastings, though it also works well at home.

For a balanced taste that is not overly strong, use approximately 15 grams of ground coffee for every 250 milliliters of water. Medium-ground beans are the best choice because they extract evenly with this brewing method.

Bring water to a boil in a kettle, but do not pour it over the coffee immediately. Boiling water may produce an unpleasant bitterness. Before brewing the coffee in your cup, allow the water to rest for a few minutes and cool slightly.

Place the ground coffee at the bottom of the cup. Quickly pour in the hot water and stir once with a spoon. Set the cup aside and wait for four minutes. A floating crust of coffee grounds will form on the surface. Break it with a spoon, stir gently, and wait for another minute so the grounds can settle at the bottom.

The coffee is now ready to drink. Add milk or sugar if desired. Sip it slowly without stirring or moving the cup too much. If you prefer your coffee very hot, cover the cup while it brews. However, allowing it to cool slightly can be beneficial, as a lower temperature often reveals more delicate flavor notes.

The main disadvantage of this method is the layer of grounds left at the bottom. There is no special trick for brewing ground coffee in a cup without sediment, but you can pour the finished drink through a fine strainer into another container. Coffee prepared this way may also have a somewhat sharper taste. Still, when proper brewing equipment is unavailable, this simple technique is an excellent alternative.